Jakarta (ANTARA) – Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has urged his players not to underestimate the Canadian national team ahead of the Copa America opening match between Argentina and Canada in Atlanta, the United States, on Friday (21/6).
“They have a very good team, with important players and a new coach who brings new ideas,” Lionel Scaloni said as reported by AFP WIB on Thursday.
“They are a difficult opponent. They are the best in the country and it is very difficult, especially at the start of the tournament. They can make it difficult for us and we have to do it,” said the former Deportivo La Coruña and Lazio player.
Scaloni said Argentina were at full strength ahead of their first match against Canada, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez also available to play after recovering from injury.
“We’ll see if Enzo will play tomorrow, but he is ready to play entrance” said the Argentine coach.
However, if Enzo is not ready to feature, Scaloni has another option, namely fielding AS Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister.
“I already have the line-up, I have no doubts. I will give it to them this afternoon, they don’t know yet. They are all ready for tomorrow’s match. But the best will play,” he said.
Scaloni also wants to take advantage of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria’s last tournament to defend the Copa America title.
Although they have not declared their retirement, Messi, 37, and Di Maria, 36, are expected to hang up their Argentina national team boots after the Copa America.
“Messi is fine, he is happy. I have new ideas and new strengths. It’s a good challenge to defend the title,” Scaloni said.
“It doesn’t make sense to think about when they will retire. Let’s enjoy it now, we’ll see what happens later,” he said.
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